Alyn praises brave young women who escaped ISIS

posted by Clyn Gallagher | December 13, 2016

Two women who escaped sexual slavery by the so-called Islamic State have received the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, recognising their exceptional courage and advocacy work.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar were abducted by militants in 2014 and forced into sex slavery, before escaping and becoming activists raising awareness of the abuses of Iraq's Yazidi community.

Scottish MEP Alyn Smith has commended the pair, and urged the EU to do more to protect vulnerable minorities.

Alyn said:

“Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar have shown tremendous strength and compassion in using their own horrific experiences to raise awareness of the cruelty being perpetrated against women by the so-called Islamic State.

“Sexual violence is a weapon of war. The Sakharov Prize honours those who defend human rights, and I cannot think of more deserving winners than Nadia and Lamiya.”

“The bravery of these two young women should inspire us all to keep fighting against injustice, and I'm proud to see their courage recognised today."